Gulf Air takes off to Isfahan

Gulf Air has started its service to Isfahan in the Islamic Republic of Iran - the airline's 46th destination and the first in 2011.

The inaugural flight took off from Bahrain international Airport this week in the presence of senior Gulf Air executives, officials from Bahrain Airport Company and Bahrain Civil Aviation.

The flight was received at Isfahan by Gulf Air chief executive officer Samer Majali, who was joined by His Excellency Rashid Al Dosseri, Bahrain’s Ambassador to Iran and senior Civil Aviation and Government officials.

Majali said: “It is another important milestone for Gulf Air as we begin our service to this historic city Isfahan. This is our fourth city in the Islamic Republic of Iran after Tehran, Shiraz and Mashhad, where we have been flying to for many years.”

He continued, “We chose Isfahan for many reasons; it is one of the major niche markets that is yet to be adequately served. From fine carpets to exquisite handicrafts, from quintessential culture to traditional Islamic architecture, to historic holy sites- it is a great tourist destination waiting to be explored but is increasingly being spotted by discerning travelers.”

“Gulf Air is the first international airline to connect Isfahan to the region. Therefore, the launch of Isfahan demonstrates our new business strategy to identify and expand our operations into niche and under-served markets. We believe that the opening of Isfahan will create city-pairs by providing direct services to Bahrain and beyond.”

“On the other hand, Isfahan is also home to factories and establishments that produce fine carpets, textiles, steel, a major oil refinery and an advanced aircraft manufacturing facility. Now with a direct flight between Isfahan and Bahrain, we are opening up a whole new market.”

Gulf Air will be operating Embraer E70 aircraft with thrice-weekly flights .

“I am confident like the other three cities, Isfahan will also be a successful route for us.”